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Updated: Aug 11, 2026

The Generation of Higher-order Laguerre-Gauss Optical Beams for High-precision Interferometry
Published on: August 12, 2013
Free-space terminator and coherent broadband blackbody interferometry
1Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, USA. sasha@striky.ece.jhu.edu
We introduce a novel device for broadband interferometry using a coherent blackbody effect in ultrathin metallic layers. This technology enables autocorrelation measurements across extremely broad electromagnetic spectra.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Optics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Coherent blackbody radiation is a quantum phenomenon.
- Interferometry is crucial for precise measurements.
- Broadband electromagnetic (EM) spectra require specialized measurement techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a free-space terminator and broadband interferometry system.
- To leverage the coherent blackbody effect in ultrathin metallic layers.
- To enable measurements across microwave to infrared domains.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing an ultrathin nonreflecting metallic layer.
- Implementing a ring (Sagnac) interferometer configuration.
- Exploiting a frequency-insensitive device design.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated a device based on coherent blackbody effect.
- Achieved broadband interferometry capabilities.
- Enabled autocorrelation measurements for broad EM spectra.
Conclusions:
- The proposed device offers a novel approach to broadband EM measurements.
- The frequency-insensitive nature of the device enhances its utility.
- This technology has potential applications in various spectroscopy fields.
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